10/10/2018

I'm releasing a new sewing and embroidery pattern today called the Sunflower Tote. This one came about as a result of two things - I wanted to start stitching some larger size projects and I seemed to always be in need another large size tote. Why not address both these issues with one solution :)

I have plans to stitch up some more of these because this one has been in constant use already (so handy for taking packages off to the post office). I'm also going to find it useful for my forthcoming sewing class, retreats, shopping... I think with the colder months up ahead, these will be the perfect project to be working on. I might even get some ready for gifts.

The tote is really roomy and holds a ton of stuff. I like my totes to be fairly flexible though so when it's not in use..

It folds up neatly and compactly like this. Perfect to take out and about in case you're in need of an extra bag.

I used some Essex Yarn Dyed Linen in Steel to make this one and stitched it up using Aurifloss by Aurifil in the following colours - 4644, 2425, 2220, 1133, 5007, 2405, 2420, 1104, 2021.

09/03/2018

It's been a while but I finally have a new pattern to share with you today. I've called this one the 3-In-1 Pouch. It opens up nice and wide and has 3 pocket compartments to keep the contents nice and organized. The construction involved is completely new and unique. I have to admit it's taken me months to get it all figured out but now that I have it's all wonderfully straightforward to put together.

Although I've written a couple of patterns for multiple pocket pouches before, the construction of this one is entirely different to anything I've done previously. This is much simpler to put together (no head scratching or origami involved). It's also very sturdy and can hold a lot whilst keeping its shape (very important when you actually put it to use). It works perfectly for organizing your sewing tools or Aurifil thread. I have a feeling it will be just right for EPP projects too. I made several prototypes whilst I was writing the pattern and I knew I was on to a winner when all my prototypes were in use on my sewing desk before I'd finished them entirely. Always a good sign!

I was in a nostalgic mood when I made the sample for these pictures and used a few of my older fabric prints from my lines for Moda Fabrics - Sherbet Pips for the exterior and Posy for the lining. I really need to dig into the stash and use my hoarded favourites more because I love how it turned out.

07/09/2018

The wonderful Amista Baker has been busy organizing a fun online swap based on my new book. The #stitchandsewswap is perfect for anyone who enjoys sewing, swapping and online camaraderie. The event starts today and you can find out more details about the swap, prizes and how to sign up here.

07/02/2018

Something I've noticed myself and others doing more of these last couple of years is handwork. This can take many forms including embroidery, applique, english paper piecing and more. One of the biggest benefits of handwork is the ease of portability. With summer fast approaching, days seem to fill up with activity. There is so much coming and going, I sometimes go into a mild panic thinking 'where am I going to fit in some sewing?'. A little stitching as we all know is hugely therapeutic and calming when life gets busy and stressful. Often when I'm rushing around, it's too late to start making plans. Therefore advance preparation can be a huge advantage. This summer I have big embroidery plans - armed with a copy of my new book, my aim is to happily stitch away in the sunshine (or under a shady tree), on a park bench, waiting at a train station, (more) waiting for little gymnasts to finish and so on. Finally I'll be able to stitch without book deadlines and I cannot tell you how much I am looking forward to that. I've already started to pack up my sewing organizers with projects ready to stitch. This involves getting some designs transferred to fabric and hooped up. Then piling them into an organizer along with a small kit of tools and flosses. Everything is ready and waiting for whenever I need an emergency sewing fix to throw into a bag and literally run out of the door. Please note that I am only ever this organized about things I like to do :)

One thing that I'm hopeful of is to convince more of you to try out embroidery. If you already like to sew and have never tried it (or tried a long time ago) then I'm talking directly to you. Embroidery is nothing more than stitching with colourful thread. You can start by learning just one stitch and completing entire embroideries using just that one stitch. You can learn more if you want to, mix things up and get as experimental as you'd like. My book has all the info you'll need to get started even if you've never stitched before. Just think, with a little organization, you can pack up a little stitching kit to keep yourself busy and by the end of summer you could have a nice little pile of stitched pieces ready to sew into projects (and my book has all the instruction for that part too).

To get things rolling, some idea's for organizing. My Book And Tool Folio (pattern from my previous book Stitched Sewing Organizers) is perfect for stitching on the go. You can easily fit a copy of my book, some hooped up fabric, threads and needles and you're ready to go.

If you want to take a larger selection of floss with you, my Booklet Pouch easily holds at least 25 spools of aurifloss (and that's the small size pouch).

06/26/2018

I'd like to share a closer look at some of the projects and thinking behind my new book Stitch And Sew. My original idea was that the book should include fresh, modern looking designs that had a grown up appeal. I wanted the designs to be pretty but not overtly sweet and saccharine. Most of the patterns originated from drawings in my sketchbook, which I developed in various pattern formations. At the time I'd been playing around with the idea of mirrored repeats for fabric design but quickly realized that these also had great potential to be used for embroidery patterns.

I had also been thinking a lot about planning my projects better so that once I'd finished stitching up a pattern it didn't get stashed away and forgotten. I concluded that if I could come up with some quick, simple sewing patterns that could really showcase the stitched pieces I'd solve that problem easily. All I had to do was to develop a sequence of steps that kept the sewing project in mind when starting the embroidery. Once the piece was completed I could cut out the remaining pieces and sew up the project. Since all of the projects are designed to be used, it was also important that they should be durable and this needed to be addressed through the choice of fabric. I picked out some Essex Yarn Dyed linen in Black by Robert Kaufman and used this to stitch up my first pattern idea and the result of that is the Buttercup drawstring pouch in the photo above. As soon as I had finished making this project, I instantly knew I was working along the right lines and that this should serve as a blueprint for developing the other patterns in the new book.

I learnt so much along the way, even as someone who stitches a lot. There is always something new to learn! I kept a notebook of everything I found useful to know as I sewed my way through the projects and included all this information in the basics section of the book.

Here are some of the other pattern variations for the Drawstring Pouch project. The above design is called Vintage and is stitched in cross stitch on unbleached calico fabric. I've added detail with some lawn and cotton for the channel and ties respectively. Below is the Colorwork design which uses a variety of stitches and techniques for fun, playful effects.

I contrasted the yarn dyed linen with some corduroy and leather for this one, along with some super soft flannel on the inside (leftover from backing a quilt).

Finally, for today's post is the Circles pattern. Another sampler style project, using a variety of stitches but only shades of pink this time.

I hope you've found something in today's post to inspire you to create!

06/11/2018

I have something new to show you today. For the past couple of years, I've been busy working on my third book and I'm exciting to share the details with you.

This book combines my love of both sewing pouches and embroidery. I wanted to create fresh modern embroidery designs that would be fun to stitch up and also provide the instructions to sew up your stitched pieces into something both beautiful and practical that could be used everyday.

There are five sewing projects in the book - the photo above shows the drawstring pouch. Each project is showcased in six different embroidery/fabric variations. I wanted to emphasize how it is possible to personalize a sewing project in a multitude of different ways - there are simple repetitive patterns, fun sampler designs and pretty floral motifs to choose from. Instructions are included for all embroidery designs and the sewing project.

The five sewing projects are all great basics - I wanted the sewing element to remain quick and simple to stitch up after your embroidery has been completed.

There is also a comprehensive embroidery section - covering both basic and advanced stitches and techniques. As well as a sampler project which will help develop your skills whether you are new to embroidery or have been stitching for many years.

If you're ready to get stitching and sewing, the book has just started arriving in stores. You can pick up a copy at

05/09/2018

I am very pleased to be able to offer a new sewing class. This will take place on Saturday 20th of October this year at a location in Berkshire. I will be teaching my Booklet Pouch pattern in the large size. This is a great project suitable for intermediate sewists with some experience of sewing zippered type pouches.

This is a great opportunity for a fun sewing day in a relaxed setting. I will be including lots of handy tips and tricks for when making three dimensional pouches, sewing with vinyl, machine settings and more.

03/12/2018

I have a new pattern release to share with you today. This one is called the Booklet Pouch. It came into being last year when I was realised that I seemed to be using numerous different vinyl pouches of mine to store threads whilst working on an embroidery project. I thought it might be an idea to combine several see-through pouches in one.

It took me a few prototypes to get right because I wanted to be able to fill the pockets up without the pouch losing its shape. The construction of the pouch allows the pockets to expand when filled without things taking on a bulging appearance. In short it looks as good filled up as it does empty. I've been using both of mine for around 6 months now, the small one holds threads and the larger one keeps everything else I need for the project I'm working on. They make a good team!

01/30/2018

I recently made up a few new samples of my All In One Box Pouch pattern. This one has always been one of my best selling patterns, since I launched it three years ago. I've been getting a few requests for printed copies of the pattern and thought it would be worth reviving and updating the instructions a little. What started out as a minor edit soon turned into a major overhaul of the instructions and complete redo's of all the illustrations. The reasons behind this are more to do with the skills I have developed in writing patterns and drawing up illustrations over the past few years than anything else. I ended up putting as much into rewriting this pattern as I would for writing a new one!

It was all worth it though because this pouch is such a useful one to have around. The front pocket unzips to reveal two vinyl zippered pockets - great for keeping smaller items, where you can see them. The main body is a box shaped pouch with lots of room for holding larger items. You can also keep the small size box from either my Nesting Boxes pattern or from my Fabric Boxes pattern (available in my book Stitched Sewing Organizers) inside the main pouch to organize the contents.

What I do want to stress however is that if you have a copy of the original pattern, this will continue to work perfectly well as it always has :) This facelift is more to do with formatting the pattern so that it will also work better when transformed into a printed booklet.

01/09/2018

I'm kicking off the New Year with a brand new pattern release. This one is called the Inside-Outside Pouch and it comes with a very roomy box-shaped interior AND two super useful vinyl exterior pockets. This means that you can keep plenty inside the main compartment and everything you want to have handy in the outer pockets.

It's a great way to use up some of those pretty fabrics in your stash. Prints you want to sew into something that both shows them off and is perfect for organizing all your bits and pieces too. I've been finding so many uses for the ones I've made so far, they are perfect for sewing, knitting, stationary, kids, travel or anything else you can think of.

The long zipper allows the pouch to open fully wide so you can see all contents inside.

In a bid to use up my stash, I've dug out some of my favourite fabrics and enjoyed grouping them into fun combinations. I used prints from Menagerie by Rifle Paper Co, Mustang by Melody Miller and Zephyr by Rashida Coleman-Hale along with some basic prints. All fabrics are by Cotton And Steel.